Flag Day in Hawaii 2019

Flag Day in Hawaii 2019

Did you know that every year on July 31, the state of Hawaii celebrates Hawaii Flag Day, otherwise known as Ka Hae Hawai‘i?

Hawaii flag day was first established in 1990 by Governor of Hawaii John D. Waihee III on July 31 and is celebrated annually.

Established as a day to honor the flag, its history and meaning, the day was supported by park staff at Pu‘kohola Heiau National Historic Site on the Big Island. One of only 3 sites in Hawaii permitted to fly the flag independently of any other national flag, the park has significant historical importance.

The Flag of Hawaii was designed in 1816 during the reign of King Kamehameha I and finally adopted in 1845. The flag consists of white red and blue stripes, that attribute to various historical flags of the United Kingdom, whilst at the same time stripes reminding us of the American flag. A smaller depiction of the flag of the United Kingdom in the left upper corner reminds us about the tight relations of Hawaii with the UK.

The Hawaiian flag was changed several times until its final adoption. Originally there were either seven or nine horizontal stripes, but eight stripes were adopted in 1845 to represent all eight major islands of the state.

For Hawaiians, the flag is a distinguished symbol of the time when ali‘i in the Hawaiian Kingdom could govern with absolute sovereignty. During the overthrow of the monarchy, Hawaiians incorporated the flag into quilts and wall hangings to pledge their allegiance to a sovereign nation.